U.S. patent application number 16/593167 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-21 for holder combined with cradle for portable terminal.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ki Beom LEE. Invention is credited to Ki Beom LEE.
Application Number | 20200163240 16/593167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65362244 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200163240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Ki Beom |
May 21, 2020 |
HOLDER COMBINED WITH CRADLE FOR PORTABLE TERMINAL
Abstract
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is
provided a stand-holder for a portable terminal, the stand-holder
comprising: a support portion fixed to a rear surface of the
portable terminal; a holding portion; and a coupling portion
operatively coupled to each of the support portion and the holding
portion. The coupling portion and the support portion are
operatively coupled to each other, such that the coupling portion
is rotated relative to the support portion. The coupling portion
and the holding portion are operatively coupled to each other, such
that the holding portion is rotated relative to the coupling
portion.
Inventors: |
LEE; Ki Beom; (Incheon,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LEE; Ki Beom |
Incheon |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
65362244 |
Appl. No.: |
16/593167 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/KR2018/009433 |
Aug 17, 2018 |
|
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16593167 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/2021 20130101;
H05K 5/0234 20130101; H05K 5/0226 20130101; H04B 1/3877 20130101;
A45F 2200/0516 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; H05K 5/0204 20130101;
A45C 2200/15 20130101; F16M 2200/041 20130101; H04B 1/3888
20130101; F16M 2200/044 20130101; H05K 5/0221 20130101; F16M 11/38
20130101; F16M 13/022 20130101; H04M 1/04 20130101; F16M 13/04
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/02 20060101
H05K005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 18, 2017 |
KR |
10-2017-0105078 |
Mar 7, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0027128 |
Claims
1. A stand-holder for a portable terminal, the stand-holder
comprising: a support portion fixed to a rear surface of the
portable terminal; a holding portion; and a coupling portion
operatively coupled to the support portion and the holding portion,
the coupling portion being formed in a bar-like shape comprising a
first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the coupling
portion and the support portion are operatively coupled to each
other, such that the coupling portion is rotated relative to the
support portion, wherein the second end of the coupling portion and
the holding portion are operatively coupled to each other, such
that the holding is rotated relative to the coupling portion,
wherein the stand-holder for the portable terminal has an unfolded
state and a folded state, and exists in any one state of the
unfolded state and the folded state according to a user's
selection, wherein the unfolded state is a state in which the
support portion and the coupling portion are spaced apart from each
other, and the folded state is a state in which the coupling
portion is received in the holding portion and the support portion
and the coupling portion are detachably coupled to each other in
contact with each other, wherein the first end of the coupling
portion and the support portion are operatively coupled to each
other, such that the coupling portion receives torque in a first
direction, wherein the second end of the coupling portion and the
holding portion are operatively coupled to each other, such that
the holding portion receives torque in a second direction, wherein
the first direction is a direction in which the coupling portion is
erected, and the second direction is a direction in which erection
of the coupling portion in the first direction is interfered
with.
2. The stand-holder for the portable terminal of claim 1, wherein,
due to a rotation of the holding portion in the second direction, a
center of gravity of the holding portion is moved to a position
where the erection of the coupling portion in the first direction
is interfered with.
3. The stand-holder for the portable terminal of claim 1, wherein a
stop projection is formed on the support portion, and a range of a
rotation of the coupling portion is defined by the stop
projection.
4. The stand-holder for the portable terminal of claim 1, wherein
the coupling portion comprises a coupling member, a first pivoting
module, and a second pivoting module, and wherein one end of the
coupling member and the support portion are hinged to each other by
the first pivoting module, and the other end of the coupling member
and the holding portion are hinged to each other by the second
pivoting module.
5. The stand-holder for the portable terminal of claim 2, wherein,
when there is no external force in the unfolded state, one end of
the holding portion comes into contact with the rear surface of the
portable terminal.
6. The stand-holder for the portable terminal of claim 3, wherein
the support portion has a receiving recess for receiving the
coupling member.
7. The stand-holder for the portable terminal of claim 3, wherein a
seating recess is formed on the support portion to support a
finger.
8. The stand-holder for the portable terminal of claim 4, wherein
the first pivoting module comprises: a first pivoting member; a
first body formed in a cylindrical shape and having a penetrating
hole formed therein to allow the first pivoting member to be
inserted thereinto, and a first torsion spring, wherein the support
portion has a first pivoting module receiving portion formed
thereon to rotatably receive the first pivoting module, and wherein
the first body is rotatably received in the first pivoting module
receiving portion, the first torsion spring elastically connects
the holding portion and the first body to allow the first body to
be rotated.
9. The stand-holder for the portable terminal of claim 8, wherein
hemispherical structures separated from one another are formed on
one end of the first body, and the hemispherical structures provide
a space to receive the first torsion spring, and the hemispherical
structure are positioned opposite to one another to restrict a
movement of the first torsion spring within a pre-defined
range.
10. The stand-holder for the portable terminal of claim 8, wherein
the first body and the coupling member are coupled to each other to
maintain an angle therebetween.
11. The stand-holder for the portable terminal of claim 4, wherein
the second pivoting module comprises a second pivoting member, a
second body formed in a cylindrical shape having a penetrating hole
formed therein to allow the second pivoting member to be inserted
thereinto, and a second torsion spring, wherein the holding portion
has a second pivoting module receiving portion formed thereon to
receive the second pivoting module to be rotatable therein, wherein
the second body is rotatably received in the second pivoting module
receiving portion, and the second torsion spring elastically
connects the holding portion and the second body to allow the
holding portion to be rotated.
12. The stand-holder of claim 11, wherein hemispherical structures
separated from each other are formed on one end of the second body,
and the hemispherical structure provide a space to receive the
second torsion spring, and are positioned to face each other to
restrict a movement of the second torsion spring within a
predetermined range.
13. The stand-holder of claim 11, wherein the second body and the
coupling member maintain a constant angle therebetween.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stand-holder for a
portable terminal, and more particularly, to a stand-holder for a
portable terminal, which has a foldable structure in the form of ""
and thus can have its size adjusted to an optimal size according to
a size of a user's finger, which is in contact with both an upper
portion and a lower portion of the user's finger, thereby providing
a more comfortable and stable grip, and which has its shape
transformed to the shape of "A" with respect to a portable terminal
by an one-touch operation, and brings a front end of a holding
portion into contact with a rear surface of the terminal for use,
and also, stands the terminal on a floor surface at a predetermined
angle in the landscape or portrait orientations, such that a user
can view a video or surf the web more comfortably.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Recently, portable terminals such as smartphones or tablet
PCs are widely used, and are essential portables to people of all
ages and both sexes.
[0003] As displays of portable terminals become larger, total sizes
of portable terminals increase and thickness becomes thinner, and
the portable terminals provide various functions such as enjoying
videos or music, taking pictures, searching the Internet, and
scheduling, in addition to a normal telephony function, and are
increasingly utilized through various applications. Therefore,
people tend to use portable terminals while using public
transportation or walking regardless of time and place.
[0004] However, in the case of a large and thin portable terminal,
it may be difficult to operate it with one hand, and also, the
terminal is easy to slip from user's hand. Therefore, users often
drop portable terminals.
[0005] To solve these problems, holder devices formed in various
shapes such as a ring or a hook are attached to portable terminals
or rear surfaces of cases thereof, and are used. However, it is
impossible to adjust the holder devices according to sizes of
users' fingers or hands, and also, users may not have a good grip
when holding the holder devices. Therefore, there are problems that
it is not easy to input texts or take pictures, and there is a
limit to changing directions, and thus portability and
maneuverability deteriorate.
[0006] As a solution to the above-described problems, Korean Patent
Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2014-0007050 discloses a case for a
portable device, and the main technical feature thereof is that the
case includes a support plate having a coupling recess formed on a
front surface thereof to allow a portable device to be attachably
and detachably coupled thereto, a rod coupled to a rear surface of
the support plate, and a holding plate coupled to the other end of
the rod and spaced apart from the support plate.
[0007] That is, the related-art technology described above is
characterized in that the support plate is in contact with user's
palm and the holding plate is in contact with the back of user's
hand with the rod being inserted between user's two fingers, such
that a holding operation is simple and the user can stably hold the
portable device. However, the rod should be inserted into a deep
position between fingers in order for the user to stably hold the
portable device, and it is not easy to operate the portable device
with one hand while holding it since the support plate is in
contact with user's palm.
[0008] More specifically, the user may operate the portable device
only by using user's thumb while holding the portable device, and
to operate the portable device with user's thumb, the user should
place the rod on the outside between index and middle fingers or
between middle and ring fingers. However, the related-art
technology enables the user to stably hold the portable device only
when the support plate is in contact with user's palm and the
holding plate is in contact with the back of user's hand.
Therefore, when the user operates the portable device with user's
thumb, holding is unstable, and it is not easy to operate the
portable device with user's thumb when the portable device is
stably held.
[0009] In addition, since the related-art technology requires a
separate stand to stand the portable device on a floor surface at a
predetermined angle, there is inconvenience in using.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
Patent Documents
[0010] 1. Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2014-0007050
(published on Jan. 16, 2014)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
Technical Objects
[0011] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
stand-holder for a portable terminal, the stand-holder comprising:
a support portion fixed to a rear surface of the portable terminal;
a holding portion; and a coupling portion operatively coupled to
the support portion and the holding portion, the coupling portion
being formed in a bar-like shape comprising a first end and a
second end.
[0012] The first end of the coupling portion and the support
portion are operatively coupled to each other, such that the
coupling portion is rotated relative to the support portion, and
the second end of the coupling portion and the holding portion are
operatively coupled to each other, such that the holding is rotated
relative to the coupling portion,
[0013] The stand-holder for the portable terminal has an unfolded
state and a folded state, and exists in any one state of the
unfolded state and the folded state according to a user's
selection.
[0014] The unfolded state is a state in which the support portion
and the coupling portion are spaced apart from each other, and the
folded state is a state in which the coupling portion is received
in the holding portion and the support portion and the coupling
portion are detachably coupled to each other in contact with each
other,
[0015] The first end of the coupling portion and the support
portion are operatively coupled to each other, such that the
coupling portion receives torque in a first direction, and the
second end of the coupling portion and the holding portion are
operatively coupled to each other, such that the holding portion
receives torque in a second direction, and the first direction is a
direction in which the coupling portion is erected, and the second
direction is a direction in which erection of the coupling portion
in the first direction is interfered with.
Advantageous Effects
[0016] According to the present disclosure, the size of the
stand-holder is adjusted to an optimal size according to a size of
a user's finger, and the back of user's hand is pressed by using
the seesaw structure. Therefore, a user can operate the portable
terminal while stably griping the portable terminal only with one
hand regardless of the size of the portable terminal size.
[0017] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the
support portion attached to the portable terminal is formed to have
a predetermined thickness, and to support a tip of a finger.
Therefore, a more comfortable and stable grip can be provided, and
also, maneuverability can be enhanced when the user grips the
portable terminal. In addition, there is an additional effect of
enlarging an operable range.
[0018] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the folded
state of the coupling member is automatically released by a
one-touch operation, such that the user can easily wear. The front
end of the holding portion is automatically supported on the rear
surface of the portable terminal, such that a switchover between
the function as a holder and the function as a stand can be rapidly
performed without an additional operation.
[0019] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the size
of the holding portion is enlarged, and stability can be enhanced
when the stand-holder is used as a holder or stand.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a stand-holder for
a portable terminal according to the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stand-holder
illustrated in
[0022] FIG. 1;
[0023] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views taken on line A-A'
of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views taken on line B-B'
of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIGS. 5A to 5C are views illustrating an operation
relationship of the stand-holder illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a support portion and an angle
adjustment member of the stand-holder for the portable terminal
according to the present disclosure;
[0027] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are views illustrating a state in which
an angle of a coupling portion illustrated in FIG. 1 is
adjusted;
[0028] FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 are views illustrating using states
of the stand-holder for the portable terminal according to the
present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a stand-holder 200 for a
portable terminal when the stand-holder is used as a holder
according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the stand-holder of the
second embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a holding portion and a case
which are decoupled from each other according to the second
embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a state in which a coupling
portion of the second embodiment is erected for convenience of
explanation;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the stand-holder of the
second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the stand-holder of the
second embodiment when the stand-holder is used as a stand;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a view illustrating the stand-holder of the
second embodiment of FIG. 15 as viewed from the bottom;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a view to illustrating switchover from an
unfolded state to a folded state according to the second
embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the stand-holder
of the second embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating the stand-holder of the
second embodiment of FIG. 20 as viewed from a different angle;
[0039] FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a holding portion of the
second embodiment as viewed from the bottom; and
[0040] FIGS. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 are
views illustrating the stand-holder of the second embodiment with
some elements omitted or enlarged.
EXPLANATION OF SIGNS
[0041] 100, 200: stand-holder 110, 210: support portion [0042] 112,
212: support member 112a, 212a: receiving recess [0043] 112b, 212b:
seating recess 114, 214: housing [0044] 116: attaching means 120,
220: coupling portion [0045] 122, 222: coupling member 122a: first
coupling member [0046] 122b: second coupling member 124, 224: first
pivoting member [0047] 126, 226: second pivoting member 126a, 226a:
second torsion spring [0048] 130, 230: holding portion 132, 232:
holding member [0049] 133, 233: support portion receiving recess
134, 234: case [0050] 136: button 138: locking protrusion [0051]
138a: first locking projection 139: third torsion spring [0052]
140, 240: first torsion spring
BEST MODE FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION
[0053] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings to clarify aspects, features
and advantages of the inventive concept. The exemplary embodiments
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.
Rather, the exemplary embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the application to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0054] If the terms such as `first` and `second` are used to
describe elements, these elements should not be limited by such
terms. These terms are used for the purpose of distinguishing one
element from another element only. The exemplary embodiments
include their complementary embodiments.
[0055] As used herein, the phrase "A element and/or B element" is
used to mean "at least one of the A element and the B element."
[0056] When the "A element" and the "B element" are referred to as
being coupled to each other, the A element and the B element may be
coupled to each other directly or indirectly. Herein, indirectly
coupling means that there is one or more third elements between the
A element and the B element.
[0057] It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first
element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or
"communicatively", as "coupled with/to" or "connected to" another
element (e.g., a second element), it means that the first element
is directly coupled to the second element mechanically or
electrically and/or electronically, or the first element is coupled
to the second element via another element (e.g., a third
element).
[0058] The terms such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "top,"
"bottom," "left," "right," "lateral," "horizontal," or "vertical"
may be used in the present specification, and these terms are used
for convenience of explanation of the present disclosure.
[0059] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a stand-holder for a
portable terminal according to the present disclosure will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
Definition of Terms
[0060] In the present specification, a "seesaw" structure or
"A"-shaped structure refers to a structure illustrated in FIG. 10
or 17. The "seesaw" structure or the "A"-shaped structure enables
the stand-holder to function as a stand and to function as a
holder.
[0061] In the present specification, a "longitudinal direction" of
a structure of a rectangular shape, a cylindrical shape, or a
certain shape is defined as a direction of the longest distance
from an inner center of the structure to the outside. For example,
a longitudinal direction of a cylindrical structure refers to a
direction of a line extending to the outside through an inner
center of the cylinder along a column.
[0062] The inner center of the rectangular shape, the cylindrical
shape, or the certain shape refers to a substantially center point
of an inside of the shape. In the present specification, an
"unfolded state" refers a state in which the stand-holder is used
as a stand or a holder as shown in FIG. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, or
17, and a "folded state" refers to a state as shown in FIG. 1, 3,
or 13.
[0063] According to embodiments (including a first embodiment and a
second embodiment) of the present disclosure, the following
exemplary features are provided.
[0064] The first feature is that the stand-holder for the portable
terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
provides both a function as a stand and a function as a holder.
[0065] The second feature is that, when the stand-holder for the
portable terminal according to an embodiment is in the unfolded
state, the stand-holder naturally has the "A"-shaped structure or
the "seesaw" structure, such that the portable terminal can be
easily laid in the landscape or portrait orientation.
[0066] The third feature is that, when the stand-holder for the
portable terminal according to an embodiment is folded, the
stand-holder can be as slim as possible.
[0067] The fourth feature is that the stand-holder for the portable
terminal according to an embodiment has a structure easy to place
user's finger thereon, such that stability and convenience can be
provided when the portable terminal is operated.
First Embodiment
[0068] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a stand-holder for
a portable terminal according to the first embodiment of the
present disclosure, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the
stand-holder of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, FIGS.
3A and 3B are cross-sectional views taken on line A-A' of FIG. 1,
FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views taken on line B-B' of
FIG. 1, FIGS. 5A to 5C are views illustrating an operation
relationship of the stand-holder of the first embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a support
portion and an angle adjustment member of the stand-holder for the
portable terminal according to the first embodiment, FIGS. 7A to 7C
are views illustrating a state in which an angle of a coupling
portion of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is adjusted,
and FIGS. 8 to 11 are views illustrating using states of the
stand-holder for the portable terminal according to the first
embodiment.
[0069] According to the first embodiment, the stand-holder for the
portable terminal has a foldable structure in the form of "" and
thus can have its size adjusted to an optimal size according to a
size of a user's finger, and is in contact with both an upper
portion and a lower portion of the user's finger, thereby providing
a more comfortable and stable grip.
[0070] In addition, according to the first embodiment, the
stand-holder has the "A"-shaped structure (having one end F1 of a
holding portion in contact with a rear surface D of the portable
terminal T, and the other end F2 of the holding portion spaced
apart from the rear surface of the portable terminal T) by an
one-touch operation, such that the portable terminal T can be laid
on a floor surface in the landscape or portrait orientation.
Accordingly, a user can easily view a video or surf the web through
the portable terminal T.
[0071] The stand-holder according to the first embodiment may
include a support portion 110, a coupling portion 120, and a
holding portion 130.
[0072] The support portion 110 may be attached to the rear surface
D of the portable terminal T, thereby enabling the stand-holder 100
according to the present embodiment to be fixed to the portable
terminal T.
[0073] According to the first embodiment, the support portion 110
may include a support member 112, a housing 114, and an attaching
means 116.
[0074] The support member 112 may have a solid shape (for example,
a shape having a circular or polygonal cross section) having a
predetermined thickness to allow a user's finger to be placed
thereon.
[0075] The support member 112 may be operatively coupled with the
coupling portion 120. For example, the coupling portion 120 may be
rotatably coupled with the support member 112. In addition, the
support member 112 may be configured to be inserted into a certain
space (that is, a support portion receiving recess 133) of the
holding portion 130.
[0076] The housing 114 may be coupled to a lower surface of the
support member 112.
[0077] The attaching means 116 may be disposed on a lower surface
of the housing 114, and may be attached to the rear surface D of
the portable terminal T. For example, the attaching means 116 may
include an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or a magnet.
[0078] That is, the attaching means 116 may have a lower surface
attached to the rear surface D of the portable terminal T, and may
have an upper surface coupled to the lower surface of the housing
114, and an upper surface of the housing 114 may be coupled to the
lower surface of the support member 112.
[0079] The support portion 110 may have a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5
cm, for example. This is to make the user grip the portable
terminal T stably and feel a good grip.
[0080] A related-art holder for a portable terminal does not have a
configuration corresponding to the support portion 110 of the
present embodiment, or may be formed to be thin, that is, to have a
lower height. In this case, there is no portion to support a tip of
a user's finger when the holder is used, and thus the portable
terminal is supported only by a force pressing the rear surface of
the portable terminal with a bottom surface of the user's finger or
user's palm. Therefore, stability deteriorates and it is not easy
to operate the portable terminal while gripping the portable
terminal.
[0081] However, when the tip of the user's finger is supported on
the outer surface of the support portion 110 as in the present
embodiment, it is possible to grip the portable terminal more
stably, and thus it is easier and more stable to operate the
portable terminal while gripping the portable terminal. In
addition, there is an advantage that a thumb's reachable range on a
display of the portable terminal increases.
[0082] The support member 112 may have a receiving recess 112a
formed on the upper surface thereof, and the receiving recess 112a
may be formed on the upper surface of the support member 112 in a
longitudinal direction. The receiving recess 112a may be configured
to receive a coupling member 122 of the coupling portion 120 when
the coupling member 122 is folded, and accordingly, the thickness
of the stand-holder 100 according to the present embodiment can be
reduced.
[0083] A stop projection 112c may be formed at a rear end of the
receiving recess 112a. When the coupling member 122 of the coupling
portion 120 is unfolded (that is, in the unfolded state), an
unfolding angle may be determined by the stop projection 112c. That
is, the coupling member 122 is not unfolded by more than a
predetermined angle by the stop projection 112c.
[0084] The coupling portion 120 has a structure having a
predetermined length, and couples the support portion 110 and the
holding portion 130 to each other. The coupling portion 120 may
have one end operatively coupled with the support portion 120 to be
rotatable relative to the support portion 110, and the other end
operatively coupled with the holding portion 130 to be rotatable
relative to the holding portion 130.
[0085] In the unfolded state, the coupling portion 120 may be
configured to maintain a predetermined distance between the support
portion 110 and the holding portion 130, and to allow a finger to
be inserted between the support portion 100 and the holding portion
130. Due to this configuration, the stand-holder of the present
embodiment may serve as a holder and a stand.
[0086] The coupling portion 120 may include the coupling member 122
and first and second pivoting members 124, 126.
[0087] The coupling member 122 may maintain the support portion 110
and the holding portion 130 spaced apart from each other by a
predetermined distance.
[0088] The first and second pivoting members 124, 126 are coupled
to both ends (hereinafter, referred to as a first end and a second
end) of the coupling member 122 to make the coupling member 122
rotatable.
[0089] The first pivoting member 124 couples the first end of the
coupling member 122 and the support portion 110 to enable the first
end of the coupling member 122 and the support portion 110 to be
rotated relative to each other. In the present embodiment, the
first pivoting member 124 is coupled by means of a hinge to allow
the coupling member 122 to rotate in a direction perpendicular to
the longitudinal direction of the coupling member 122.
[0090] The second pivoting member 126 couples the second end of the
coupling member 122 and the holding portion 130 to enable the
second end of the coupling member 122 and the holding portion 130
to be rotated relative to each other. In the present embodiment,
the second pivoting member 126 is coupled by means of a hinge to
allow the coupling member 122 to rotate in the direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coupling member
122.
[0091] That is, the first end of the coupling member 122 is coupled
to the support portion 110 by means of a hinge to be rotated about
the first pivoting member 124, and the second end of the coupling
member 122 is coupled to the holding portion 130 by means of a
hinge to be rotated about the second pivoting member 125.
[0092] Specifically, the first pivoting member 124 is coupled to
cross the receiving recess 112a on one end of the support member
112 of the support portion 110, and is coupled to the first end of
the coupling member 122 in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction of the coupling member 122.
[0093] The second pivoting member 126 is rotatably coupled to the
holding portion 130, and is coupled to the second end of the
coupling member 122 in the direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction of the coupling member 122.
[0094] The first pivoting member 124 and the second pivoting member
125 may have the same structure and the same function, and the
coupling member 122 may be folded in the receiving recess 112a, or
may be unfolded toward the outside of the receiving recess 112a,
that is, may be erected from the support portion 110 by the first
pivoting member 124, and the holding portion 130 may be folded or
unfolded by the second pivoting member 126.
[0095] The first and second pivoting members 124, 126 in the
present embodiment are exemplary and a person skilled in the art
can easily use other coupling means for rotatably coupling the
coupling member 122 to the support portion 110 and the holding
portion 130.
[0096] Although will be described below, the holding portion 130 is
rotated with reference to the second pivoting member 126, such that
an upper portion of the holding portion 130 moves toward the rear
surface of the portable terminal, and a lower portion of the
holding portion 130 moves away from the rear surface of the
portable terminal. According to this configuration, the
stand-holder for the portable terminal according to the present
embodiment may have the "A"-shaped structure or the "seesaw"
structure in the unfolded state.
[0097] According to the "A"-shaped structure or the "seesaw"
structure, when a user's finger is positioned on the support
portion 110, the upper side of the holding portion 130,
specifically, the upper side of a holding member 132, presses the
finger, such that the user can comfortably and tightly grip the
portable terminal while operating the portable terminal.
[0098] In the present embodiment, the support member 112 has a
seating recess 112b formed on the upper surface thereof, on which
the receiving recess 112a is formed. The user's finger is
positioned on the seating recess 112b. The seating recess 112b in
the present embodiment has a shape to allow the user's finger to be
stably seated thereon, and to allow the user to tightly grip the
portable terminal.
[0099] As described above, when the holding portion 130 is rotated
with reference to the second pivoting member 126, the stand-holder
has the "seesaw" structure in which the upper portion of the
holding portion 130 presses the user's finger, and the lower
portion of the holding portion 130 is spaced apart from the rear
surface D of the portable terminal T, and accordingly, the user can
stably and comfortably use the portable terminal T.
[0100] According to the present embodiment, the support portion 110
may further include an angle adjustment member 118 to adjust a
pivoting angle of the coupling portion 120. A distance between the
support portion 110 and the holding portion 130 may be adjusted by
the angle adjustment member 118.
[0101] To grip the portable terminal, the user should insert user's
fingers into a space between the support portion 110 and the
holding portion 130. A comfortable distance between the support 110
and the holding portion 130 that the user feels may vary according
to thickness of user's finger. Considering this situation, the
present embodiment provides a function of adjusting the pivoting
angle of the coupling portion 120 in phases by the angle adjustment
member 118.
[0102] In the present embodiment, the angle adjustment member 118
includes a fixing piece 118a, a locking portion 118b, and a support
protrusion 118c. The fixing piece 118a is coupled to a coupling
hole 113a formed on the support member 112, and the locking portion
118b is coupled to a locking recess 113b formed on the support
member 112.
[0103] In the present embodiment, the coupling hole 113a and the
locking recess 113b may be formed in a long hole shape, and may be
configured to allow the angle adjustment member 118 to move forward
and backward, and the locking recess 113b is formed to have
multiple steps. The user may position the locking portion 118b of
the angle adjustment member 118 on a desired position of the
multiple steps.
[0104] The support protrusion 118c may protrude from a front end of
the angle adjustment member 118 to support the coupling portion
120, and accordingly, the angle adjustment member 118 is moved,
thereby adjusting the pivoting angle of the coupling portion
120.
[0105] In the present embodiment, multi-stage support projections
122c corresponding to the support protrusion 118c are formed at an
end of the coupling member 122 of the coupling portion 120 beside
the support portion 110. Accordingly, the support protrusion 118c
of the angle adjustment member 118 is supported on one of the
support projections 122c of the coupling member 122 according to a
movement of the angle adjustment member 118, and accordingly, the
pivoting angle of the coupling member 122 is adjusted. As a result,
the user can adjust the distance between the support portion 110
and the holding portion 130 to suit to thickness of user's
finger.
[0106] The holding portion 130 is rotatably coupled to the other
end of the coupling portion 120. When the user grips the portable
terminal with user's fingers, the holding portion 130 presses outer
surfaces of the user's fingers toward the rear surface of the
portable terminal, thereby allowing the user to maintain a stable
grip, and, when the user does not grip the portable terminal, the
holding portion 130 is supported on a floor surface and serves to
stand the portable terminal in the landscape or portrait
orientation.
[0107] According to the present embodiment, the holding portion 130
includes the holding member 132 and a case 134.
[0108] In the present embodiment, the second pivoting member 126 of
the coupling portion 120 is coupled to an inside of the holding
portion 130, that is, a portion of the holding portion 130 facing
the support portion 110, by means of a hinge.
[0109] The holding member 132 includes the support portion
receiving recess 133 to receive the support portion 110 therein
with the coupling member 122 being folded.
[0110] The case 134 is for covering an upper surface of the holding
member 132.
[0111] According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
3A and 3B, the support member 112 of the support portion 110 is
received in the support portion receiving recess 133 formed inside
the holding portion 130, such that a volume of the stand-holder in
the folded state of the coupling member 122 can be minimized.
[0112] Referring to FIG. 2, the coupling portion 120 includes a
first torsion spring 140 and a second torsion spring 126a. These
torsion springs 126a, 140 are for rotating the pivoting members in
a predetermined direction. The torsion springs 126a, 140 may be
configured to rotate the pivoting members in a predetermined
direction (to make the "A"-shaped structure or the "seesaw"
structure) unless an external force is applied by the user.
[0113] The second torsion spring 126a is operatively coupled to the
second pivoting member 126. That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, the
second torsion spring 126a rotates the second pivoting member 126,
such that the front end F1 of the holding portion 130 is rotated in
the direction to come into contact with the rear surface of the
portable terminal, and the rear end F2 of the holding portion 130
is rotated in the direction to be spaced further apart from the
rear surface of the portable terminal.
[0114] Referring back to FIG. 2, the first torsion spring 140 is
operatively coupled to the first pivoting member 124. That is, the
first torsion spring 140 rotates the first pivoting member 124 in
the direction to erect the coupling member 122 as shown in FIG.
5C.
[0115] As described above, the unfolded state of the stand-holder
for the portable terminal according to the present embodiment is a
state where the coupling member 122 is erected by the first torsion
sprint 140, and the front end of the holding portion 130 is in
contact with the rear surface of the portable terminal, and the
rear end of the holding portion 130 is spaced apart from the rear
surface of the portable terminal by the second torsion spring
126a.
[0116] In the present embodiment, the holding portion 130 is
provided with a button 136 formed on one side or both sides
thereof, and the button 136 may support the support portion 110
being inserted into the holding portion 130, or may decouple the
support portion 110 and the holding portion 130 from each
other.
[0117] The button 136 includes a locking protrusion 138 having a
first locking projection 138a formed thereon.
[0118] The locking protrusion 138 is formed on one side of the
button 136, and the locking protrusion 138 is coupled to a coupling
hole 132a formed on the holding member 132 of the holding portion
130 by penetrating therethrough.
[0119] The first locking projection 138a is formed at an end of the
locking protrusion 138.
[0120] The support member 112 of the support portion 110 has a
coupling recess 111 formed thereon to allow the locking protrusion
138 to be inserted thereinto, and a second locking projection 111a
corresponding to the first locking projection 138a is formed on the
coupling recess 111.
[0121] In the present embodiment, the button 136 is elastically
supported by a third torsion spring 139 provided in the holding
member 132, and the first locking projection 138a and the second
locking projection 111a is not arbitrarily disengaged from each
other, and the first locking projection 138a and the second locking
projection 111a are disengaged from each other only when the button
136 is pressed by an external force.
[0122] In the folded state of the stand-holder for the portable
terminal according to the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 3A,
the first locking projection 138a and the second locking projection
111a are engaged with each other and the coupling state of the
holding portion 130 and the support portion 110 is maintained.
[0123] When the button 136 is pressed, the first locking projection
138a and the second locking projection 111a are disengaged from
each other, and the stand-holder is in the unfolded state, and as
shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the coupling member 122 is automatically
unfolded.
[0124] When the support portion 110 and the holding portion 130 are
decoupled from each other, the stand-holder for the portable
terminal according to the present embodiment is in the unfolded
state. That is, when the support portion 110 and the holding
portion 130 are decoupled from each other, the coupling member 122
is erected, and the front end of the holding portion 130 comes into
contact with the rear surface of the portable terminal and the rear
end of the holding portion 130 is spaced apart from the rear
surface of the portable terminal.
[0125] Hereinafter, an operation relationship of the stand-holder
100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0126] When the stand-holder 100 for the portable terminal
according to the present embodiment is used as a holder for the
portable terminal, the stand-holder is attached and fixed to the
rear surface of the portable terminal by the attaching means 116 of
the support portion 110, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and FIGS. 5A
to 5C.
[0127] The stand-holder 100 for the portable terminal according to
the present embodiment maintains the folded state unless the button
136 is pressed by the user.
[0128] The folded state refers to a state where the coupling member
122 is folded in the receiving recess 112a by fixing the support
portion 110 and the holding portion 130 by means of the button 136,
and the support portion 110 is folded and received in the support
portion receiving recess 133 of the holding portion 130.
[0129] When the user presses the button 136 of the holding portion
136, the stand-folder 100 for the portable terminal according to
the present embodiment maintains the unfolded state.
[0130] The unfolded state refers to a state where the first locking
projection 138a of the button 136 is disengaged from the second
locking projection 111a of the support member 112, and the coupling
member 122 is automatically unfolded by a torsion of the first
torsion spring 140 coupled to the first pivoting member 124, and
the support portion 110 and the holding portion 130 is spaced apart
from each other.
[0131] According to the present embodiment, the support portion 110
and the holding portion 130 fixed to each other are decoupled from
each other only by the user's pressing the button 136, and the
coupling member 122 is unfolded, and accordingly, the user can
easily hold the portable terminal.
[0132] In this state, the user grips the portable terminal by
inserting user's fingers into the space between the support portion
110 and the holding portion 130. As shown in FIG. 8, the user
inserts user's fingers to have the palm face the support portion
110 and to have the coupling member 122 inserted between user's
index and middle fingers or between user's index and ring
fingers.
[0133] In this case, since there is a difference in the distance
between the support portion 110 and the holding portion 130
enabling the user to grip the portable terminal comfortably easily
according to thickness of user's finger, the distance between the
support portion 110 and the holding portion 130 may be adjusted to
allow the user to grip the portable device more comfortably and
more stably according to the present disclosure. The distance
between the support portion 110 and the holding portion 130 may be
adjusted by adjusting the pivoting angle of the coupling member 122
by the angle adjustment member 118.
[0134] That is, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the distance between
the support portion 110 and the holding portion 130 may be adjusted
by adjusting the position of the support protrusion 118c to be
supported one of the support projections 122c of the coupling
member 122 by moving the angle adjustment member 118.
[0135] The user uses the portable terminal in the grip state as
described above. In the present disclosure, the support portion 110
is formed to have a predetermined thickness and thus protrudes from
the rear surface of the portable terminal. Accordingly, a tip of a
user's finger is caught on the outer surface of the support portion
110, that is, on the seating recess 112b, and thus the user can
apply a force. Therefore, the user can feel a more comfortably
grip. In addition, when the user operates the portable terminal
with one hand using user's thumb, the stable grip state can be
maintained, and also, a thumb's reachable range on the portable
terminal is enlarged.
[0136] In addition, when the user operates the portable terminal
while gripping the same, the holding portion 130 forming the seesaw
structure with the pivoting members presses the upper portions of
the user's fingers, such that the user can maintain the grip state
more stably and can reduce the risk of dropping the portable
terminal while operating the portable terminal.
[0137] When the stand-holder 100 for the portable terminal
according to the first embodiment is not used as a stand or a
holder, the stand-holder 100 for the portable terminal may be
maintained in the folded state.
[0138] To fold the stand-holder 100, the coupling member 122 is
received in the receiving recess 112a formed on the support portion
110 by rotating the holding portion 130, and the support portion
110 is received in the support portion receiving recess 133 of the
holding portion 130. In this case, the first locking projection
138a of the button 136 is engaged with and fixed to the second
locking projection 111 of the support member 112, and as shown in
FIG. 3A, the coupling member 122 is received in the receiving
recess 112a, and the support portion 110 is received in the support
portion receiving recess 133 of the holding portion 130 and is
maintained therein. Accordingly, in the folded state, the volume of
the sand-holder 100 for the portable terminal according to the
present embodiment can be minimized.
[0139] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the stand-holder 100
according to the present disclosure is used as a stand for the
portable terminal, the portable terminal can be made to stand
simply by unfolding the coupling member 122.
[0140] That is, when the user presses the button 136, the coupling
member 122 is automatically unfolded by the torsion of the second
torsion spring 126a, and the front end of the holding portion 130
comes into contact with the rear surface of the portable terminal.
Therefore, the portable terminal can be made to stand on a floor
surface without an additional operation.
Second Embodiment
[0141] Hereinafter, a stand-holder 200 for a portable terminal
according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will
be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 34.
[0142] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a stand-holder 200 for a
portable terminal when the stand-holder is used as a holder
according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG.
13 is a perspective view of the stand-holder of the second
embodiment, FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the holding portion and
the case which are decoupled from each other according to the
second embodiment, FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a state in which
the coupling portion of the second embodiment is arbitrarily
erected for convenience of explanation, FIG. 16 is a
cross-sectional view of the stand-holder of the second embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 15, FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the
stand-holder of the second embodiment when the stand-holder is used
as a stand, FIG. 18 is a view illustrating the stand-holder of the
second embodiment of FIG. 15 as viewed from the bottom, FIG. 19 is
a view to illustrating switchover from an unfolded state to a
folded state according to the second embodiment, FIG. 20 is an
exploded perspective view of the stand-holder of the second
embodiment, FIG. 21 is a view illustrating the stand-holder of the
second embodiment of FIG. 20 as viewed from a different angle, FIG.
22 is a view illustrating the holding portion of the second
embodiment as viewed from the bottom, and FIGS. 23 to 34 are views
illustrating the stand-holder of the second embodiment with some
elements omitted or enlarged.
[0143] In explaining the second embodiment hereinbelow, reference
is made to FIGS. 12 to 34, and a specific drawing may be mentioned
according to an element. In addition, the coordinate system
illustrated in FIG. 16 is for convenience of explanation, and is
equally applied to FIGS. 12 to 15 and FIGS. 17 to 34. Accordingly,
it is assumed that, in explaining the second embodiment, the
coordinate system illustrated in FIG. 16 is equally applied
although the coordinate system is not directly illustrated in FIGS.
12 to 15 and FIGS. 17 to 34.
[0144] The difference from the first embodiment will be
highlighted, and a person skilled in the art will understand the
second embodiment with reference to the description of the first
embodiment in some cases. In addition, reference numerals used for
elements of the second embodiment are similar to reference numerals
used for the elements of the first embodiment having the same or
similar functions or structures.
[0145] The stand-holder 200 of the second embodiment may include a
support portion 210, a coupling portion 220, and a holding portion
230.
[0146] The stand-holder 200 of the second embodiment may be in an
unfolded state and a folded state like in the first embodiment. The
second embodiment 200 may have an "unfolded state" and a "folded
state" in the same way as in the first embodiment. The stand-holder
for the portable terminal according to the second embodiment 200
may exist in any state of the "unfolded state" and the "folded
state" according to user's selection.
[0147] The "unfolded state" refers to a state in which the support
portion 210 and the coupling portion 220 are spaced apart from each
other, and the "folded state" refers to a state in which the
coupling portion 220 is received in the holding portion 230 and the
support portion 210 and the coupling portion 220 are coupled to
each other in contact with each other. The stand-holder may switch
from the "unfolded state" to the "folded state," and also, may
switch from the "folded state" to the "unfolded state."
[0148] When there is no external force in the unfolded state, one
end of the holding portion 230 comes into contact with the rear
surface of the portable terminal, as will be described below. The
support portion 210 may be fixed to the rear surface of the
portable terminal T. Although FIGS. 12 to 34 do not depict an
attaching means, the support portion 210 may have an attaching
means to be fixed to the rear surface.
[0149] The support portion 210 may have a solid shape, having a
predetermined thickness and having an upper surface and a lower
surface, in order to enhance a user's grip. The support portion 210
may have a stop projection S41 formed thereon, and a range of
rotation of the coupling portion 220 is determined by the stop
projection S41. Due to the presence of the stop projection S41, the
user may not rotate the coupling portion 220 unlimitedly.
[0150] In addition, the support portion 210 may have a receiving
recess 112a to receive the coupling portion, and a seating recess
to support a user's finger.
[0151] Regarding the support portion 210, reference is made to the
description of the support portion 110 of the first embodiment and
descriptions which will be made below.
[0152] According to the second embodiment, the support portion 210,
the coupling portion 220, and the holding portion 230 may be
operatively coupled to one another and may be configured to have a
recess H1.
[0153] In the present embodiment, the coupling portion 220 is
operatively connected or coupled with the support portion 210, and
the coupling portion 220 is also operatively connected or coupled
with the holding portion 230. In the present specification, the
coupling portion 220 and the support portion 210 being operatively
connected or coupled with each other means that an operation of the
coupling portion 220 influences an operation of the support portion
210, and also, an operation of the support portion 210 influences
an operation of the coupling portion 220. In addition, the coupling
portion 220 and the holding portion 230 being operatively connected
or coupled with each other means that an operation of the coupling
portion 220 influences an operation of the holding portion 230, and
also, an operation of the holding portion 230 influences an
operation of the coupling portion 220.
[0154] In the present specification, the term "coupling" and the
term "connecting" are used as the same meaning.
[0155] As illustrated in at least one drawing of FIGS. 12 to 34,
the coupling portion 220 may be formed in a bar-like shape, and the
cross section of the bar-like shape may have a cylindrical shape, a
rectangular shape, or a certain shape. In addition, the bar-like
coupling portion 220 includes a first end and a second end. Herein,
the first end and the second end refer to distal ends, and the
first end of the coupling portion 220 is a portion that is
operatively coupled with the support portion 210, and the second
end of the coupling portion 220 is a portion that is operatively
coupled with the holding portion 230.
[0156] As illustrated in at least one drawing of FIGS. 12 to 34,
the first end of the coupling portion 220 and the support portion
210 are operatively coupled with each other, such that the coupling
portion 220 is rotated relative to the support portion 210. In
addition, the second end of the coupling portion 220 and the
holding portion 230 are operatively coupled with each other, such
that the holding portion 230 is rotated relative to the coupling
portion 220.
[0157] According to the second embodiment, the first end of the
coupling portion 220 and the support portion 210 are operatively
coupled to each other, such that the coupling portion 220 receives
torque in a first direction. In addition, the second end of the
coupling portion 220 and the holding portion 230 are operatively
coupled to each other, such that the holding portion 230 receives
torque in a second direction.
[0158] As will be described below, the coupling portion 220
receives torque in the first direction by the first pivoting
module, and the holding portion 230 receives torque in the second
direction by the second pivoting module.
[0159] In the present specification, the first direction refers to
a direction in which the coupling portion 220 is erected (arrow
direction indicated by T1 in FIGS. 16 and 34), and the second
direction refers to a direction in which erection of the coupling
portion 220 in the first direction is interfered with (arrow
direction indicated by T2 in FIGS. 16 and 34).
[0160] According to the second embodiment, the center of gravity of
the holding portion 230 is changed by the rotation of the holding
portion 230 in the second direction to interfere with the erection
of the coupling portion 220 in the first direction. That is, when
the holding portion 230 is rotated in the second direction, a
position of the center of gravity of the holding portion 230 is
changed by the rotation. Such a change in the position of the
center of gravity is made in the direction of interfering with the
erection of the coupling portion 220 in the first direction, and
the coupling portion 220 is moved in the opposite direction of the
first direction due to the change in the position of the center of
gravity (arrow direction indicated by M in FIGS. 16 and 34).
[0161] The support portion 210 of the stand-holder 200 according to
the present embodiment may comprise a support member 212 and a
housing 214.
[0162] The support member 212 is operatively coupled with the
coupling portion 220. That is, the support member 212 and the
coupling portion 220 are coupled to each other, such that the
support member 212 is inserted into a certain space (for example,
the receiving portion 233) of the holding portion 230 in the folded
state, and escapes from the space of the holding portion 230 to be
spaced apart from the holding portion 230 in the unfolded
state.
[0163] For example, the coupling portion 220 is rotatably coupled
with the support member 212. In addition, the support member 210 is
configured to be inserted into a certain space (for example, a
support portion receiving recess 233) of the holding portion
230.
[0164] The housing 214 may be coupled a lower surface of the
support member 212.
[0165] The support member 212 may have a receiving recess 212a
formed on an upper surface thereof, and the receiving recess 212a
may be formed on the upper surface of the support member 212 in a
vertical direction (a direction parallel to the Z1 axis).
[0166] The receiving recess 212a is configured to receive a
coupling member 222 of the coupling portion 220 when the coupling
member 222 is folded.
[0167] A stop projection S41 may be formed at a rear end of the
receiving recess 212a. When the coupling member 222 is unfolded
(that is, in the unfolded state), an unfolding angle may be
determined by the stop projection S41.
[0168] That is, when the user arbitrarily presses the coupling
portion 220 toward a second position (P2) of the rear surface, the
coupling portion 220 is rotated until the coupling portion 220 is
stopped by the stop projection S41, and is not rotated anymore when
the coupling portion 220 is stopped by the stop projection S41.
That is, the coupling member 220 is not unfolded by more than a
predetermined angle by the stop projection S41.
[0169] The housing 214 may have a first pivoting module receiving
portion S43 configured to receive a first pivoting module (which
will be described below). In the second embodiment, the first
pivoting module receiving portion S43 is formed in a direction (a
direction parallel to the Z1-axis direction) perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction of the support portion 210 (that is, a
direction parallel to the housing 214, or a direction parallel to
the X1-axis direction). In the present embodiment, the
above-described stop projection S41 is positioned in parallel with
the first pivoting module receiving portion S43.
[0170] The coupling portion 220 may couple the support portion 210
and the holding portion 230, and may have a solid structure having
both ends.
[0171] The coupling portion 220 may include the coupling member
222, the first pivoting module, and a second pivoting module.
Herein, the first pivoting module may include a first pivoting
member 224, a first body 247 configured to allow the first pivoting
member 224 to be inserted thereinto, and a first torsion spring
240, and the second pivoting module may include a second pivoting
member 226, a second body 227 to allow the second pivoting member
226 to be inserted thereinto, and a second torsion spring 226a.
[0172] In the present embodiment, the coupling member 222 includes
ends (that is, a first end and a second end), and has a bar-like
shape having a predetermined length. The first end of the coupling
member 222 and the support portion 210 are hinged to each other by
the first pivoting module, and the second end of the coupling
member 222 and the holding portion 230 are hinged to each other by
the second pivoting module.
[0173] In the present embodiment, the coupling member 222 is
configured to always maintain a constant angle with the first
pivoting module. Specifically, the coupling member 222 is fixedly
coupled with the first body 247 to form a constant angle (for
example, 90 degree) therewith. In addition, the coupling member 222
is configured to always maintain a constant angle with the second
pivoting module. Specifically, the coupling member 222 is fixedly
coupled with the second body 227 to form a constant angle
therewith.
[0174] In the present embodiment, the first body 247 is a
cylindrical structure having a predetermined length, and a
longitudinal direction of the first body 247 is the same direction
as the rotation axis of the first body 247.
[0175] A center of the first body 247 refers to a point where an
extension line (virtual line) of the coupling member 222 in the
longitudinal direction and an extension line (virtual line) of the
first body 247 in the longitudinal direction intersects.
[0176] In the present embodiment, the first pivoting module and the
support portion 210 are coupled to each other by means of a hinge
to enable the coupling portion 220 to be rotated. Specifically, the
first body 247 is rotatably received in the first pivoting module
receiving portion S43. In the present embodiment, the first torsion
spring 240 is a spring having both ends, and the first torsion
spring 240 has one end (hereinafter, a "fixed end") coupled to the
housing 214 and the other end (hereinafter, a "free end") coupled
to one end (hereinafter, a "first end") of the first body 247.
Herein, the first end of the first body 247 is configured to be
coupled with the free end of the first torsion spring 240.
[0177] In the present embodiment, when an external force from a
user does not exist, the first body 247 is rotated such that the
coupling member 222 inclines toward the rear surface of the
portable terminal.
[0178] A direction of torque that the first torsion spring 240
applies to the first body 247 (that is, the first direction) is
opposite to the real rotation direction of the first body 247.
Regarding the direction of the torque that the first torsion spring
240 applies to the first body 247, and the real rotation direction
of the first body 247 (real rotation direction of the coupling
member 222), reference is made to FIGS. 16 and 34. The reason why
the first body 247 is rotated in the opposite direction of the
first direction, rather than in the first direction, although the
first body 247 is subjected to the torque in the first direction by
the first torsion spring 240, will be described in detail
below.
[0179] The first end of the first body 247 and the free end of the
first torsion spring 240 are coupled to each other. The fixed end
of the first torsion spring 240 is coupled to the housing 214. The
free end of the first torsion spring 240 applies a torsion or
torque to the first end of the coupling member 222 in such a
direction that the coupling member 222 is erected (that is, the
first direction). However, the real rotation direction of the
coupling member 222 is opposite to the erection direction (that is,
the first direction) although the coupling member 222 is subjected
to the torque by the first torsion spring 240.
[0180] In the present embodiment, the first body 247 is rotatably
received in the first pivoting module receiving portion S43, and
one end of the first torsion spring 240 is coupled to the housing
214 and the other end of the first torsion spring 240 is coupled to
one end of the first body 247. In the unfolded state of the
stand-holder for the portable terminal, when no external force is
applied to the coupling portion 220, the first body 247 is rotated
to allow the coupling portion 220 to incline toward the rear
surface of the portable terminal.
[0181] Herein, a "first position" (P1) of the rear surface of the
portable terminal is a position of the rear surface which is in
contact with one end of the holding portion 230 when no external
force is applied to the coupling portion 220. In addition, when no
external force is applied to the coupling portion 220, the other
end of the holding portion 230 is spaced apart from the rear
surface of the portable terminal, and a position of the rear
surface facing the other end of the holding portion 230 is referred
to as a "second position" (P2).
[0182] In the present embodiment, the first position P1 and the
second position P2 are different from each other, and both exist on
the rear surface of the portable terminal. Specifically, a virtual
line V extended through the center of the first body 247 in the
same direction as the longitudinal direction of the support portion
210 is assumed. A line obtained by orthogonally projecting the
virtual line V onto the rear surface of the portable terminal is
referred to as a center line on the rear surface of the portable
terminal in the present specification. The first position P1 and
the second position P2 are positioned on the center line on the
rear surface of the portable terminal, and the first position P1 is
positioned in the forward direction of the support portion 210 and
the second position P2 is positioned in the backward direction of
the support portion 210. A direction of the forward direction and
the backward direction that is close to the coupling portion 220
when there is no external force in the unfolded state of the
stand-holder for the portable terminal is the forward
direction.
[0183] According to the present embodiment, the coupling portion
220 and the holding portion 230 are coupled to each other, such
that, when user's fingers are inserted between the support portion
210 and the holding portion 230 in the unfolded state of the
stand-holder for the portable terminal (referring to FIG. 12), one
end of the holding portion 230 in contact with the rear surface of
the portable terminal presses the user's finger toward the forward
direction of the support portion.
[0184] In the present embodiment, the first torsion spring 240 may
be provided as one pair of torsion springs, and the pair of first
torsion springs 240 have the same configuration and are operated in
the same way.
[0185] The coupling portion 220 has a cuboidal shape having a
predetermined length. In the present embodiment, the coupling
portion 220 is supported by the support portion 210, and also, is
coupled with the support portion 210 to be rotatable. In addition,
the holding portion 230 is supported by the coupling portion 220,
and is coupled with the coupling portion 220 to be rotatable.
[0186] For example, the first pivoting module is coupled to one end
of the coupling member 222, and the second pivoting module is
coupled to the other end of the coupling member 222. In the present
embodiment, one end of the coupling member 222 is fixedly coupled
to the first boy 247, and the other end of the coupling member 222
is fixedly coupled to the second body 227.
[0187] In the present embodiment, the second pivoting module and
the holding portion 230 are coupled to each other by means of a
hinge such that the holding portion 230 can be rotated.
Specifically, the second body 227 is received in a second pivoting
module receiving portion S31 (which will be described below) of the
holding portion 230. In particular, referring to FIGS. 27 and 28,
the coupling member 222 is inserted into an opening S33 of the
holding portion 230, and in this state, the second body 247 is
received in the second pivoting module receiving portion S31 (which
will be described below).
[0188] In the present embodiment, the second torsion spring 226a is
a spring having both ends, and the second torsion spring 226a has
one end (hereinafter, a "fixed end") coupled to the holding portion
230 and the other end (hereinafter, a "free end") coupled to one
end (hereinafter, a "first end") of the second body 227. Herein,
the first end of the second body 227 is configured to be coupled
with the free end of the second torsion spring 226a.
[0189] In the present embodiment, in the unfolded state of the
stand-holder for the portable terminal, when no external force is
applied, the holding portion 230 and the coupling portion 220 move
toward the rear surface of the portable terminal T to form the
"A"-shaped structure or the seesaw structure. That is, one end F1
of the holding portion 230 comes into contact with the rear surface
of the portable terminal T, and the other end F2 of the holding
portion 230 is spaced apart from the rear surface of the portable
terminal T, and the coupling member 222 is inclined in the same
direction as one end F1 of the holding portion 230.
[0190] The second body 227 coupled to the free end of the second
torsion spring 226a is coupled to the support portion 210, and the
support portion 210 is coupled to the portable terminal. Therefore,
the fixed end of the second torsion spring 226a applies a torsion
or a torque to the holding portion 230 and the holding portion 230
rotates by such a torque.
[0191] In the present embodiment, in the unfolded state, the
holding portion 230 is rotated by the second torsion spring 226a as
long as there is no external force. Regarding the rotation
direction of the holding portion 230 by the second torsion spring
226a, reference is made to FIGS. 16 and 34.
[0192] The holding portion 230 is not unlimitedly rotated, and a
maximum radius of rotation is determined by a stop projection S35
formed on the holding portion 230. In the present embodiment, the
holding portion 230 has the stop projection S35 formed thereon to
be prevented from rotating by more than a predetermined angle (for
example, 90 degrees). Herein, the predetermined angle is an angle
that is formed by the holding portion 230 and the coupling portion
220 (for example, .theta.2 in FIG. 16), and refers to an angle from
the coupling portion 220 to the holding portion 230 in the rotation
direction of the holding portion 230 (for example, .theta.2 in FIG.
16). A maximum radius of rotation of the holding portion 230 will
be easily understood with reference to FIG. 18. That is, when the
holding portion 230 is rotated by more than the predetermined
angle, the stop projection S35 is locked by the upper portion of
the coupling portion 220 and the holding portion 230 is not rotated
any more.
[0193] In the present specification, the holding portion 230 being
rotated in a parallel direction means that the holding portion 230
is rotated in a direction to be parallel to the support portion
210.
[0194] In the present embodiment, the second body 227 is rotatably
received in the second pivoting module receiving portion S31, and
one end of the second torsion spring 226a is coupled to the holding
portion 230 and the other end of the second torsion spring 226a is
coupled to one end of the second body 227. According to the
configuration described above, as long as there is no external
force applied to the coupling portion 220 in the unfolded state,
the second body 227 is rotated until the holding portion 230 and
the support portion 220 are wholly horizontal. If the stop
projection S35 is not provided on the holding portion 230, the
second body 227 may be rotated unlimitedly.
[0195] An operation of switching from the folded state to the
unfolded state will be described with reference to FIG. 16. When
the stand-holder is released from the folded state, the coupling
portion 220 starts to be rotated in the first direction (arrow
direction indicated by T1), and the holding portion 230 starts to
be rotated in the second direction (arrow direction indicated by
T2). Thereafter, the angle .theta.2 between the holding portion 230
and the coupling portion 220 is closer to 90 degrees, and
accordingly, the position of the center of gravity of the coupling
portion 200 is moved in the forward direction, and the coupling
portion 220 is rotated in the forward direction (arrow direction
indicated by M).
[0196] Thereafter, when one end of the holding portion 230 comes
into contact with the rear surface of the portable terminal T, the
angle between the holding portion 230 and the coupling portion 220
is maintained at an angle smaller than 90 degrees.
[0197] According to the above-described configuration, the
stand-holder for the portable terminal according to the second
embodiment is in the unfolded state, that is, has the "A"-shaped
structure or the "seesaw" structure. The unfolded state refers to a
state in which one end of the holding portion 230 is in contact
with the first position of the rear surface of the portable
terminal, and the other end of the holding portion 230 is spaced
apart from the second position of the rear surface of the portable
terminal, and the coupling portion 220 is inclined toward the
forward direction.
[0198] As described above, in the unfolded state, the first torsion
spring 240 applies torque to the coupling portion 220 in the
direction of erecting (that is, the first direction), but the
coupling portion 220 is not rotated to the extent that the angle
.theta.1 between the coupling portion 220 and the support portion
210 reaches 90 degrees.
[0199] This is because the holding portion 230 is also rotated in
the unfolded state (that is, is rotated in the second direction),
and the position of the center of gravity of the holding portion
230 is moved in the forward direction by the rotation (that is, the
position of the center of gravity is moved in the opposite
direction of the erection direction of the coupling portion 220).
As the position of the center of gravity is moved in the forward
direction, the weight of the holding portion 230 is larger than the
torque of the coupling portion 220 (rotational force in the
erection direction of the coupling portion 220).
[0200] To achieve this configuration, elastic forces of the first
torsion spring 240 and the second torsion spring 226a, structures
and arrangements of the hemispherical structures S33, S34 formed on
the first body 247 and the hemispherical structures S31, S32 formed
on the second body 227, a change in the position of the center of
gravity when the holding portion 230 is rotated, and weight of the
holding portion 230 may be appropriately adjusted as factors to be
considered. For example, the elastic force of the second torsion
spring 226a should be great enough to rotate the holding portion
230 in the parallel direction, and the elastic force of the first
torsion spring 240 should be great enough to rotate the coupling
portion 220, but should not be so strong to overcome the weight of
the holding portion 230 the position of the center of gravity of
which is moved in the forward direction. Furthermore, the elastic
force of the second torsion spring 226a should be determined to
enable a user's finger to be inserted between the support portion
210 and the holding portion 230, and also to allow the holding
portion 230 to sufficiently press the finger to prevent it from
being easily released (see FIG. 12).
[0201] As described above, according to the above-described
configuration of the stand-holder for the portable terminal
according to the second embodiment, when user's fingers are
inserted between the support portion 210 and the holding portion
230 in the unfolded state (FIG. 12), one end of the holding portion
230 in contact with the rear surface of the portable terminal is
spaced apart from the rear surface and presses the fingers toward
the first position of the rear surface. In addition, the other end
of the coupling portion 220 and the holding portion 230 are coupled
to each other, such that, the other end of the holding portion 230
comes closer to the second position of the rear surface (that is,
toward the rear direction of the support portion 210).
[0202] That is, in the unfolded state, the elastic force of the
second torsion spring 226a generates torque to rotate the holding
portion 230 toward the rear surface of the portable terminal, and
such torque acts as a force for pressing a finger when a user's
finger is inserted between the support portion 210 and the holding
portion 230.
[0203] The first body 247 and the second body 227 will be described
in detail with reference to FIG. 29.
[0204] The first body 247 may have a hole H33 formed in the center
thereof to allow the first pivoting member 224 to penetrate
therethrough, and the first torsion springs 240 are coupled to both
ends of the first body 247. Herein, the first torsion spring 240 is
configured in the form of a coil having an empty space in the
center thereof, and the first pivoting member 224 penetrates
through the center of the first torsion spring 240.
[0205] Since both ends of the first body 247 are the same in the
structure and the function, only one end of the first body 247 will
be described. One end of the first body 247 has hemispherical
structures S33, S34 separated from each other. The hemispherical
structures S33, S34 are positioned to face each other, and provide
a space H34 to accommodate the first torsion spring 240. In
addition, the hemispherical structures S33, S34 are positioned to
restrict a movement of the first torsion spring 240. In particular,
the hemispherical structures S33, S34 are arranged to have the
first torsion spring 240 generate a torsion or a torque for
inclining the coupling member 222 toward the portable terminal (in
the direction of .theta.1). In the present embodiment, the fixed
end of the first torsion spring 240 is fixedly coupled to the
housing 214, and the free end of the first torsion spring 240
applies a torsion or torque to any one (S34) of the hemispherical
structures S33, S34, thereby rotating the first body 247.
[0206] The second body 227 may have a hole H31 formed in the center
thereof to allow the second pivoting member 226 to penetrate
therethrough, and the second torsion springs 226a are coupled to
both ends of the second body 227. Herein, the second torsion spring
226a is configured in the form of a coil having an empty space in
the center thereof, and the second pivoting member 226 penetrates
through the center of the second torsion spring 226a.
[0207] Since both ends of the second body 227 are the same as each
other in the structure and the function, only one end of the second
body 227 will be described.
[0208] One end of the second body 227 has hemispherical structures
S31, S32 separated from each other. The hemispherical structures
S31, S32 are positioned to face each other, and provide a space H31
to accommodate the second torsion spring 226a. In addition, the
hemispherical structures S31, S32 are positioned to restrict a
movement of the second torsion spring 226a.
[0209] In particular, the hemispherical structures S31, S32 are
arranged to have the second torsion spring 226a generate a torsion
or a torque for rotating the second pivoting member 226 inserted
into the second body 227.
[0210] From now on, a coupling relationship between the support
member 212 and the housing 214 will be described with reference to
FIGS. 23 to 26.
[0211] In the present embodiment, structures for coupling the
support member 212 and the housing 214 are formed on an inner edge
of the support member 212 and an outer edge of the housing 214. For
example, concave portions R31, R32, R33, R34 are formed on the
inner edge of the support member 212, and protrusions E41, E42,
E43, E44 are formed on the outer edge of the housing 214. The
protrusions E41, E42, E43, E44 are received in the concave portions
R31, R32, R33, R34, such that the support member 221 and the
housing 214 are coupled to each other.
[0212] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 26, a coupling relationship of the
support portion 210 received in the holding portion 230 will be
described. In the present embodiment, structures for coupling the
support portion 210 and the holding portion 230 are formed on an
outer edge of the support member 212 of the support portion 210 and
an inner edge of the holding member 232 of the holding portion 230.
These structures are configured to easily couple and decouple the
support portion 210 and the holding portion 230 by a user's
external force.
[0213] For example, protrusions E31, E32 are formed on the outer
edge of the support member 212, and receiving structures G11, G12
are formed on the inner edge of the holding member 232. Herein, the
protrusions E31, E32 correspond to and are coupled to the receiving
structures G11, G12. Since the structures and the coupling
principle of these are the same, only the coupling between the
receiving structure G11 and the protrusion E31 will be described.
The receiving structure G11 includes a spacing gap D11 and an
extension portion R13. The extension portion R13 is spaced apart
from the edge of the holding member 232 by the spacing gap D11, and
is extended.
[0214] When the support member 212 is inserted into a space 233 of
the holding member 232, the extension portion R13 of the holding
member 232 and the protrusion E31 of the support member 212
physically come into contact with each other, and the protrusion
E31 presses the extension portion R13. The extension portion R13
which is subjected to the force of the protrusion E31 is pushed in
the direction to reduce the spacing gap D11, that is, toward the
edge of the holding member 232, due to the presence of the spacing
gap D11. Since the extension portion R13 extends from the edge of
the holding member 232, the extension portion R13 repels in
response to the force of the protrusion E31. The support portion
210 and the holding portion 230 are coupled to each other by the
repellence. In the present embodiment, the extension portion R13
may be formed by a material (for example, plastic) having
elasticity of a certain degree.
[0215] The protrusion E31 and the extension portion R13 are easily
decoupled from each other by the user pulling the holding portion
230 apart from the support portion 210.
[0216] The stand-holder in the second embodiment may serve as a
holder and a stand in the unfolded state as in the first
embodiment.
[0217] The coupling member 222 may space the support portion 210
and the holding portion 230 apart from each other by a
predetermined distance. The first pivoting module and the second
pivoting module are coupled to both ends of the coupling member 222
by means of a hinge.
[0218] The first pivoting module and the second pivoting module in
the second embodiment are exemplary, and a person skilled in the
art can easily use other coupling means for rotatably coupling the
coupling member 222 to the support portion 210 and the holding
portion 230.
[0219] According to this configuration, the stand-holder for the
portable terminal according to the present embodiment has the
"A"-shaped structure or the "seesaw" structure in the unfolded
state.
[0220] According to the "A"-shaped structure or the "seesaw"
structure, when user's finger is placed on the support portion 210,
the upper side of the holding portion 230, specifically, the upper
side of the holding member 232, presses the finger, such that the
user can comfortably and tightly grip the portable terminal while
operating the portable terminal.
[0221] In the present embodiment, the support member 212 has a
seating recess 212b formed on the upper surface thereof, on which
the receiving recess 212a is formed. In the unfolded state, user's
finger may be positioned on the receiving recess 212a and the
seating recess 212b. The seating recess 212b allows the user's
finger to be stably seated thereon, such that the user can tightly
grip the portable device. In the folded state, a portion of the
coupling member 122 is positioned on the seating recess 212b.
[0222] As described above, the holding portion 230 is rotated with
reference to the second pivoting module, thereby forming the
"seesaw" structure in which the upper portion of the holding
portion 230 presses user's finger, and the lower portion of the
holding portion 130 is spaced apart from the rear surface D of the
portable terminal T. Therefore, the user can use the portable
terminal T stably and comfortably.
[0223] The holding portion 230 is rotatably coupled to the other
end of the coupling portion 220. When the user grips the portable
terminal with user's fingers, the holding portion 230 presses the
outer surfaces of the user's fingers toward the rear surface of the
portable terminal, and allows the user to stably grip the portable
terminal, and, when the user does not grip the portable terminal,
the holding portion 230 is supported on a floor surface, and may
stand the portable terminal in the landscape or portrait
orientation.
[0224] According to the present embodiment, the holding portion 230
includes the holding member 232 and a case 234. The holding member
232 may have the stop projection S35 to restrict a radius of
rotation of the holding portion 230 (specifically, the holding
member 232) in the parallel direction.
[0225] In the present specification, the stop projection S35 is
formed in parallel to the second pivoting module. Specifically, the
stop projection S35 is formed between the gripping recess H1 (H11,
H12) and the support portion receiving recess 233 which will be
described below.
[0226] According to the present embodiment, the gripping recess H1
(H11, H12), the stop projection S35, a second pivoting module
receiving portion S31, and the support portion receiving recess 233
are arranged in sequence.
[0227] In the present embodiment, the holding portion 230 is
coupled with the second pivoting module of the coupling portion 220
by means of a hinge.
[0228] The holding member 232 further includes the support portion
receiving recess 233 to receive the support portion 210 with the
coupling member 222 being folded.
[0229] The holding member 232 may also include the gripping recess
H1. Herein, the gripping recess H1 may be a penetrating hole, for
example.
[0230] The holding member 232 may further include the second
pivoting module receiving portion S31, and the second pivoting
module receiving portion S31 is positioned between the gripping
recess H1 and the support portion receiving recess 232.
[0231] When the support portion 210 is completed received in the
support portion receiving recess 233 of the holding portion 230, a
bottom surface (a surface to come into contact with the rear
surface of the portable terminal T) of the support portion 210 and
a bottom surface (a surface to come into contact with the rear
surface of the portable terminal T) of the holding portion 230 have
a substantially same height (a height from the rear surface of the
portable terminal T). To achieve this, a geometrical shape of the
support portion 210 (height, width, or shape of the support portion
210) is configured to be completely received in the support portion
receiving recess 233.
[0232] For example, the term "substantially same" includes a case
in which, when the support portion 210 is completely received in
the support portion receiving recess 233 of the holding portion
230, the bottom surface of the support portion 210 and the bottom
surface of the holding portion 230 come into contact with the rear
surface of the portable terminal T simultaneously.
[0233] In another example, the term "substantially same" includes a
case in which, when the support portion 210 is completely received
in the support portion receiving recess 233 of the holding portion
230, only the bottom surface of the holding portion 230 comes into
contact with the rear surface of the portable terminal T, and the
bottom surface of the support portion 210 does not come into
contact with the rear surface of the portable terminal T.
[0234] In still another example, the term "substantially same"
includes a case in which, when the support portion 210 is
completely received in the support portion receiving recess 233 of
the holding portion 230, only the bottom surface of the support
portion 210 comes into contact with the rear surface of the
portable terminal T, and the bottom surface of the holding portion
230 does not come into contact with the rear surface of the
portable terminal T, but is spaced apart therefrom by 0.5 mm or
less.
[0235] The holding portion 230 has the gripping recess H1 formed
thereon, and a recess H11 of the holding member 232 and a recess
H12 of the case 234 define the gripping recess H1. To achieve this,
the recess H11 of the holding member 232 and the recess H12 of the
case 234 may have the same or similar shape, and are formed
opposite each other (that is, face each other).
[0236] The case 234 is for covering the upper surface of the
holding member 232. Structures for coupling the case 234 and the
holding member 232 are formed on an outer edge of the case 234 and
an inner edge of the holding member 232 to correspond to each
other. For example, structures E11, E12, E13, E14 are formed on the
outer edge of the case 234, and structures R21, R22, R23, R24 are
formed on the inner edge of the holding member 232. These
structures may protrude or may be depressed to be coupled to each
other. In the present embodiment, the structures E11, E12, E13, E14
protrude, and the structures R21, R22, R223, R25 are depressed in
the form of recesses.
[0237] The case 234 may have a receiving space R11 formed thereon
to receive at least part of the second pivoting module (for
example, an upper portion of the second pivoting module). As will
be described below, the second pivoting module includes a second
pivoting member 226, a second body 227 configured to have the first
pivoting member 226 inserted thereinto, and the first torsion
spring 240, and a lower portion of the second body 227 is
positioned in the second pivoting module receiving portion S31 of
the holding member 232, and an upper portion of the second body 227
is positioned in the receiving space R11 of the case 234.
[0238] According to the present embodiment, the support member 212
of the support portion 210 is received in the support portion
receiving recess 233 formed inside the holding portion 230, such
that the volume of the stand-holder in the folded state can be
minimized.
[0239] According to the present embodiment, when the support
portion 210 and the holding portion 230 are decoupled from each
other, the stand-holder for the portable terminal according to the
present embodiment is in the unfolded state. When the support
portion 210 and the holding portion 230 are decoupled from each
other, the coupling member 222 is inclined toward the portable
terminal, and the front end of the holding portion 230 comes into
contact with the rear surface of the portable terminal, and the
rear end of the holding portion 230 is spaced apart from the
surface of the portable terminal.
[0240] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *